We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Dunlap and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
o I define risks as anything you do for yourself. Marketing is a trillion-dollar industry with one clear message, “I know what’s best for you.” Everything about this society encourages me to listen to someone or something other than myself. So, I head over to Google and search things like “how to know if I’m drinking enough water,” or “what is the ideal time to go to bed,” or “signs that my partner is falling in love with me.” And the list continues. There is the constant tug-of-war between doing what feels right to me and listening to what others (tradition, beliefs, morals, social norms, religion, etc.) say is right for me. When I think about risks, I think about living within and listening to my body. I am learning that no matter what decision I make, there is always someone or some belief system that suggests that the decision I made is not the best decision that could have been made. Therefore, doing what feels right to me in the moment will always be a risk. I label this process as a risk because criticism of my decisions will always come from sources/people outside of myself. And my body feels that resistance and rejection.
o Within the past few years, taking risks has played a significant role in my personal and professional life. In my 20-year relationship with my wife, taking risks looks like sharing what I am feeling and opening myself up to her perception rather than attempting to control how she sees me. Taking risks looks like letting go of the idea that I am her protector, provider, or any other p-word that someone outside of our relationship said I should be. Taking risks looks like me not trying to stop her from feeling. We all know the phrasing, “I did [insert action] because I didn’t want her to feel [insert emotion].” I say what I say and she feels what she feels. That’s the risk. And continuing to take these risks keeps our bond strong.
o Professionally, taking risks also involves saying what I’m thinking and feeling. I’m a licensed professional counselor and have been in this field for over 18 years. I came into the field thinking it was my responsibility to help others get better. That’s what I was told anyway. Taking risks began with me redefining what I do. I named my practice Ona, because Ona is Swahili for “see,” and that word captures the essence of my approach to therapy. I help people see themselves. It’s my belief that the body is perfect as it is. It knows exactly how to live and exactly how to die. And if I can see it for myself, whatever solutions/answers I am looking for will be revealed. When I help someone see themselves, they no longer need me to answer the questions or solve the problems they have. They see it. This approach feels right for me at this point in my career. That’s the risk I take and the consequences (pleasant or unpleasant) are what they are. I do not try to control those consequences. I work for myself, full time. So, as of today, this risk to do what feels right for me has kept me and my family fed.
o Listening to my body from life all the way through death, whenever that may be and under whatever circumstances that may be, will always be seen (by others) as a risk. The stress associated with trying to listen to others and live according to standards that were created outside of my body is overwhelming and beats me down. So, I take the risk of doing what feels right to me. It’s also the untelevised revolution.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own my own practice and have for about 9 years. The most difficult transition in my career was defining my niche. For the first few years, I said “yes” to everyone who wanted help. But this was exhausting and emotionally draining. I had to spend months reflecting, tracking, spreadsheeting, and analyzing to figure out who is my ideal client. During this time, I also came up with the name of my practice, Ona, which is Swahili for “see”. A day or so after coming up with the name, my wife brought to my awareness that Ona is also a part of my name, Jonathan. And I thought it was interesting that even in naming my practice, I literally came back to myself. This is how my mission and purpose were formed. I help people see themselves. Although this did not immediately narrow down the population who I serve, it began solidifying my approach to working with people. From there I found a few existing models of therapy that resonated with me, and I eventually created my own model/style that I call, Shifting Perspectives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m still learning the city. We have only been in the Atlanta area for a couple of years. A few places we’ve enjoyed are the High Museum, The Gathering Spot, Little Five Points, Big Softie (vegan ice cream), and any vegan restaurant that has reviews that are 4.6 stars or higher.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had a tumultuous relationship with myself until I met my wife, Sunny. She soothed me and accepted me and saw me. She continues to see me as I evolve, and her presence is my reason for moving how I move. She helps me see myself and always encourages me to love who I see. She gives me life and a reason to live.

Website: https://www.onacounseling.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonathan-dunlap-onacounseling/

Image Credits
Photographer for images 2 & 3:
Jawaniecika “JoJo” Bryant

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